Honda Ridgeline is one of the vehicles affected by TSB 08-045

Honda has always been a little different when its comes to their TSB’s (Technical Service Bulletins). They have used terms that are down to earth, that mechanics can understand easily. Plenty of technical information but without all the technical talk. Honda has now gone above and beyond their previous efforts to inform technicians about issues and fixes. The PDF provided by Honda not only has pictures, it has video and sound!

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Chrysler 300 with only 37,000 miles overheated & towed in

What would cause two cooling fan motors to be out at the same time? One possibility is that they didn’t fail at the same time, one failed and the car was still able to be driven until the other failed also. But two fan motors failing on a car that only has 37,000 miles didn’t make sense either. Obviously power and ground supply was first checked with a power probe to verify the motors were getting the correct input to allow them to run. Once the fan motors were replaced, a terrible ticking noise was heard. More pictures below:

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2000 Ford Expedition P0401 doesn’t necessarily mean the EGR is bad

Summary: Ford DPFE problems discussed. Common causes for Ford EGR low flow issues and P0401 fault code triggered. Don’t replace the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve just yet if you have a P0401 code on a 4.6 liter engine like the one in this Expedition. The diagnostic code definition states “Low flow from E.G.R.” Low flow doesn’t mean definitively that the EGR is bad. Low EGR flow can be a problem in any Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Mazda and many other car’s for that matter. On a lot of Ford vehicles this code will mean there is a faulty Differential or Delta Pressure Feedback (DPFE) sensor. This was such a common problem there was an extended warranty coverage on them for awhile. Not many people knew about Ford covering these on some models for an extended period of time. At the shop I worked at, an extended warranty company first alerted us to this when they declined an extended warranty claim because Ford would replace it under warranty.

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Wiring can cause door lock problems, but switches and actuators are more common.

DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: A quick common sense way of thinking about and pinpointing the most common door lock problems on many vehicles. There are several things that can cause the power door locks not to work properly. The most common cause of a single door lock not to work, is a bad door lock actuator (also called a door lock solenoid or door lock motor). Another common problem or cause of door locks not working is simply a bad door lock switch. Many cars today have computers that are also in the loop when it comes to controlling the door locks.

Fortunately, body computer systems are pretty dependable and give problems very seldom. It seems as though the most troublesome vehicles regarding door locks related to computer control issues, are Chrysler’s; Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country vans sometimes have BUS related issues (BUS means “a collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one computer to another”)… but this is still rare. Ford Explorers also have a few BUS issues that can be related to door lock security module, or wiring shorting out that goes from the door into the body. Usually when checked with a scan tool in the body control or security section, there will be a code indicating if there’s a BUS fault.

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Leaves accumulated near the fresh air intake can enter the car’s evaporator case.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Article on low flow from air conditioning vents in cars. Neglected cabin air filters are the leading cause of this issue. Although, there are several things that can cause low airflow from a vehicle’s air conditioning system. The strongest blowing vents are the middle ones with the setting adjusted to maximum or recirculate. On the max setting, the air is recirculated in the passenger compartment. Obstructions can include leaves, loose articles from the glove-box, a broken or out of position door in the Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) case.

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UV dye can help in detecting oil leak sources.

It can be very difficult to pinpoint and detect the cause of leaks when the engine is covered with oil. Sometimes it’s best to clean the motor to help determine where the oil is coming from. By adding UV (Ultra Violet) Dye, the leak can be traced much easier back to the source. To begin with, it’s best to determine what type fluid is leaking, there are several things that could be leaking on an automobile.

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Ford Expedition lean codes could caused by a leaky PCV hose.

If a car has a check engine light on and has P0171 and P0174 codes stored, the most likely cause is a vacuum leak. These codes are set by the car’s computer when it sees too much oxygen in the exhaust. Excessive oxygen readings in the exhaust will set lean codes. This does not mean that the oxygen sensors are defective. It is a common mistake for people to replace oxygen sensors when lean codes are present. Just because the code is related to oxygen sensor readings, it doesn’t mean that the oxygen sensors are bad. If both of these codes are stored this means that both banks of the engine have excessive oxygen in the exhaust. If the oxygen sensors are replaced it’s most likely that the same codes will reappear. It is very uncommon for two oxygen sensors to fail at the same time.

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Tree style masking stations like this one holds paper and tape for easy access.

Professional autobody paint shops prevent much overspray by masking the car well prior to painting. Taking time for preparation can save a lot of time on cleanup later. Masking machine stations hold rolls of paper and masking tape for easy application. Windows trim pieces and tires can be taped off to prevent overspray. Many do-it-yourselfers don’t realize how easy it is to get overspray on the car. When there is a chance of getting overspray on the vehicle its best to mask the car.

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Power window problems? Read on for free tips.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Tips on pinpointing power window problems. Broken power windows are usually caused by one of several things. The most common problem is a bad power window motor. The second most common problem is the regulator, followed by a bad power window switch. If the window regulator is broken it could be binding or the cable could be off one of the pulleys. In a few cases, the window may just be STUCK. This happens sometimes in rear windows that get little use. The weather stripping that the window slides in (AKA called a window run) can sometimes prevent the window from moving.

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Robinair AC Manifold gauge set was originally for R12, it has been adapted for 134A

To properly diagnose an AC system the use of a manifold gauge set is needed. AC gauge pressure readings help professional auto technicians determine if the system is low and exactly what is going on with the car’s A/C system. A 134A gauge set is also used when attaching a vacuum pump to the car for evacuating/removing the air out of AC components. If air is left in the system, the moisture it contains combines with refrigerant under pressure can cause a corrosive acid to form that can destroy evaporators, condensers or even the AC compressor from the inside.

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